We all have a part to play in caring for our community. There are several ways to step up and come alongside your neighbors and the local organizations helping to create the best environments for those around us, while maintaining health the best we can.
As many of us begin to find ourselves in circumstances where our resources are more limited, one of the ways we can all serve is to be a good neighbor!
Connect with neighbors who may be especially at risk due to underlying health conditions, those who are elderly, and those who live alone.
If you’re able, offer to help with essential errands that may present unique challenges for others.
Make a conscious effort to foster community through consistent phone or digital communication.
We have also been seeing an increased need for temporary housing options for displaced missionaries in Central Florida. For a variety of reasons, many missionaries are unable to remain in their country of service at this time and are encountering significantly limited options for temporary housing in Florida. If you can help in anyway, let us know!
Below, you’ll find ways you can connect with organizations that will be meeting needs in our community or seek out resources and assistance for you or your family and neighbors. You can also reach out to our community engagement team by email here.
+Organizations Requesting Donations and Volunteers
- The current situation has resulted in a surge in our local Foster Care System and Commission127 is serving foster families by helping provide meals. You can help by purchasing an electronic gift card of any amount and emailing it to meals@c127.org. Then they will send a meal to a foster family in our community!
- This team is seeking professional volunteers and resources to help in a united effort to provide accurate communication of information and essential resources to high risk populations amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.
UP Orlando is collecting donations for emergency shelters.
- Items needed: cleaning and hygiene supplies (paper towels, soap, hand sanitizer, bleach, etc.), acetaminophen, ibuprofen, thermometers, garbage bags, Zip-loc bags, gloves, linens, towels, plastic shower curtains (to create isolation barriers), and foods (canned fruits, soups, pastas, peanut butter, jello, etc.; tab tops preferred for canned goods).
Second Harvest Food Bank is preparing to assist across Central Florida to equip and supply many of the nonprofits that will be the social safety net for our area.
One Blood is stocking up in anticipation of having to cease operations.
- Those suffering from the most severe symptoms of COVID-19 may need blood transfusions in addition to those already requiring transfusions. Social distancing has resulted in lower than average donations and they are in need of additional donors. Appointments are required in order to maintain sanitation.
Servant Heart's Ministry is providing groceries to those in need.
- Collecting monetary donations
- Meals on Wheels delivers 800-1,000 nutritious meals to homebound seniors each day. They are in need of volunteers to deliver meals while many of their current volunteers are unavailable due to risk factors associated with COVID-19.
Friends of Children and Families
- Items Needed: Toilet Paper, Hand Soap, Sanitizing Wipes/Spray, Hand Sanitizer, Board Games and other activities appropriate for teenagers (ex: arts n crafts). Please email jcarnes@friendscf.org to arrange a donation pick up.
The Sharing Center is collecting donations for those in need.
- Items needed: cleaning supplies (paper towels, soap, hand sanitizer, bleach, disinfecting wipes, trash bags, gloves etc.), pantry items (pasta, peanut butter, canned tuna, etc.), and hygiene supplies (razors, shaving cream, nail clippers, etc.).
The Foundation for Orange County Public Schools is continuing to invest in students and teachers in the OCPS system.
- Collecting monetary donations
The Camaraderie Foundation is assisting veterans transitioning for military to civilian life.
- Collecting monetary donations
Shepherd's Hope is providing access to healthcare for those who are uninsured.
- Collecting monetary donations
Jewish Family Services is providing an emergency food pantry as well as mental health counseling.
- Collecting monetary donations
Heart of Florida United Way is providing assistance for those experiencing hardship due to decreased work hours or unpaid leave.
- Collecting monetary donations
Coalition for the Homeless of Central Florida is caring for the local homeless population.
- Collecting monetary donations
Matthew's Hope is caring for the local homeless population.
- Collecting monetary donations
Mustard Seed is a furniture and clothing bank helping rebuild the lives of families and individuals who have suffered disaster or personal tragedy.
- Collecting monetary donations
Feeding Children Everywhere aides in crisis relief efforts to provide families with food safely packed and delivered directly to their homes.
- Collecting monetary donations
- Clean the World works to repurpose soaps from the hospitality industry to supply vulnerable populations around the world with hygiene supplies. They are experiencing increased demand with the essential practice of hand hygiene associated with preventing the spread of COVID-19.
Advent Health
- Send an electronic note of encouragement to healtcare workers here.
Orlando Health
- Make and donate face masks for hospital workers. Required mask specifications and drop-off information is available here.
+Organizations Providing Assistance
- UP Orlando is providing a dignified food and household resource assistance program called the "Member Share Grocery Program." This program is for families living in the 200% or below Federal Poverty Level. Applications are available here.
Orange County and Seminole County Governments
State of Florida COVID-19 Drive-Thru Testing
Florida Department of Economic Opportunity
- File reemployment assistance benefits (formerly known as unemployment compensation)
Various Banks Assisting Payment Deferal
- Some banks offering relief to customers affected by COVID-19
Energy Companies Offering Payment Relief
Phone and Internet Companies with Payment Relief and Assistance
Student Loan Payment Information
Credit card Payment Information
The "CARES Act" or the the “Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act” is a bill that provides emergency assistance and health care responses for individuals, families, and businesses affected by the 2020 coronavirus pandemic. Details of the bill are outlined at the link above.
+Organizations Providing Meals for Students
Orange County Public Schools are providing grab-and-go meals available for pickup at particpating locations.
Seminole County Public Schools are providing free breakfast and lunch meals for their students at distribution sites.
Summer Break Spot locations are a places where chilren and teenagers 18 and under can come to enjoy free meals while school is out.